A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

By the time they made it out, Alessia was carrying a bag–a takeout box tucked inside, still warm with pasta in a rich meat sauce.

“Come on, what kind of club makes you so busy you can’t even eat?” Esme grumbled, clearly annoyed.

“I heard it’s some big event–apparently some important people are coming, so everyone’s on high alert. The student council’s been running themselves ragged all week, Mia chimed in. When it came to campus gossip, no one beat Mia; she always seemed to know things before anyone else.

Thanks to her, Room 206 had never missed a single announcement, whether it came from their class, department, or the whole university.

The three of them chatted and laughed on their way to the student council office. As luck would have it, the moment they rounded the corner, they spotted Joyce up ahead. Esme opened her mouth to call out, but Mia quickly clapped a hand over her lips and pulled her into the shadow of the wall.

“What’s up?” Esme mumbled, confused.

“Lessie, isn’t that the guy who was pestering you last month? What was his name–Hugh?“.

“Yeah, that’s him–Fortune Thorne. Why’s he with Joyce? And why do they look so friendly?” Esme had recognized him too, lowering her voice.

“I think Joyce‘ mentioned they’re both on the student council,” Mia said, glancing at Alessia. Alessia just smiled, unbothered.

“He and I don’t get along, but that doesn’t mean Joyce has to avoid him too. They’re both on the council–it’s perfectly normal for them to work together. No need to overthink it.”

to turn into a brick.” Seeing how unfazed Alessia was, the

09:05

Chapter 419

both served on the student council, they were in different departments and rarely

bumped into you–are you okay?” Fortune asked as he knelt to gather the scattered papers, then took the heavy stack from Joyce’s arms without waiting

really, I

this around,” Fortune replied, his voice warm and easy, his manners a little too perfect–the kind

for me,”

help. By the way, I feel like I’ve seen you before–not flirting, I swear…

Alessia, Joyce finally

so guarded,” Fortune said with a disarming smile. “Alessia and I just had a misunderstanding, that’s all. We’re all in the same circle–sometimes there’s friction,

If there’s an issue, she’ll talk

pretty nice,” Fortune said, laughing

compliment made Joyce’s ears

Esme’s voice called out from

“Esme! What are you

off in the office.